The news that the votes of migrants could prove decisive in the upcoming general election represents a significant challenge to the political parties.

The research conducted by the University of Manchester and Migrants Rights Network confirmed that four million foreign-born voters in England and Wales will be eligible to cast a vote on May 7.

Migrants could constitute more than a third of voters in about 25 seats in England and Wales and at least a quarter of the electorate in more than 50 seats.

The report suggested that, for the first time in a general election, MPs will be returned from two constituencies — East Ham and Brent North in London — where the majority of voters were born overseas.

“Foreign-born residents of the UK could have an immediate impact in the May 2015 general election,” says the report.

“Not only could migrant voters comprise a significant number of overall potential voters on May 7 but they could turn out in substantial numbers within some key marginal constituencies.”

In at least 70 seats the migrant share of the electorate will be double the majority of the current MP.

The question though must be one of access and voter registration. 

The research found that four million migrants are registered, but how many are not? In my own area of east London, canvassers knocking doors have certainly found many people not registered to vote — a lot of them migrants.

Then there are those registered who may not vote. Obviously at this stage canvassing door to door maybe a way to get the message over but there could also be a role for faith and community networks.

The main political parties in different areas of the country really don’t seem to know how to address this problem of getting migrants registered and voting.

Yet it is vital to democracy that a way is found to reach this crucial group of people.Faith and community centres seem to offer an ideal opportunity.

Take the Catholic Church, which represents one place where people of many different races but united by their faith come together.

The community organisers of Citizens UK and London Citizens recognised the value of the churches, mosques and temples long ago in reaching migrant communities.

The successful living wage campaign, for example, launched by London Citizens grew out of the faith and community groups, with these networks enabling the organisation to penetrate low-pay industries such as like security and hospitality — that trade unions alone had been unable to do.

The faith and community groups could play a similar role in relation to making sure that the migrant communities are both registered to vote and do vote.

This could be done by groups already operating in the organisations concerned or by those from outside seeking to get people registered and voting. 

In the latter case, there would be no question of party political bias — it would be simply using the forum  as an opportunity to ensure that all people are registered to vote and aware that an election is taking place.  

The faith and community organisations would no doubt support such a move, given their support for the democratic process and enfranchisment of all peoples.

A full-scale voter registration drive conducted via the social justice structures of faith and community organisations could help ensure that not only migrants but other presently disenfranchised individuals become aware that there is an election coming and they should be taking part by exercising their vote.

This would be a very positive way to contribute to the democratic process.